Members Making a Difference

After serving 21 years in the U.S. Navy, Commander Maureen Pennington, MSN, BSN, CNOR, felt prepared to take on a new challenge by volunteering to lead a surgical company during combat operations in Iraq. It didn't matter that she was the first nurse ever to take on this high-level position; she knew she had the skills to do the job.

"Working in a combat zone is not unlike running an OR—you must care for the patient, manage staff, have supplies ready and be prepared for anything. Whatever could happen did happen, so you had to be flexible and ready to take it on," Pennington said as she reflected on her service in Iraq in 2006.

Recently Pennington has been doing a lot of reflecting on her service overseas. In April 2007 she was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Iraq, including achieving an unprecedented 98% survival rate among surgical patients under her company's care. Then in October, she received the Minerva Award for her service, a distinction held by only a handful of women in California, including astronaut Sally Ride.

"It's the people who inspire you along the way,” Pennington modestly says of her recent honors. "I was one person honored for the outstanding work of the entire team. We took our jobs seriously; we did it with compassion, as professionals."

Looking back, Pennington acknowledges her experiences in Iraq have changed her. "No one facing combat comes home the same. You stand taller, wiser and quieter," she said. "You are grateful for what you have, and you remember those you can never forget."

Obviously struggling to hold back tears, she recalled a young Marine who was killed instantly in combat as a result of massive head injuries. "A junior Marine was with me trying to prepare the body for viewing. He was close friends with the mortally wounded Marine, and I could see he was very shaken up and having a difficult time. I said, 'Let me take care of this.' He refused, saying, 'Oh no, this is my Marine; I have to do this.’ Witnessing this bond between Marines and the dedication they have to each other and their team inspires me to continue my work."

She attributes her professional successes to taking each day as it comes and always going that extra mile to help people. "You can't save the world, but you can do little things every day to show kindness. I look back on my career and see how things add up, how hard work every day to provide the best care possible really does make a difference."

Pennington dedicates the same level of service to her work within AORN. She is an active member of her San Diego of AORN chapter, serving most recently on its nominating committee. "As perioperative professionals, we all have to take pride in what we do, and being part of AORN gives me a voice to effect positive change in my profession."

She encourages her fellow AORN members to find a way to get involved: "Periop nursing truly is a field that gives you all of the qualities you need to volunteer and to find your passion. So, go out and let the periop voice be heard."

Learn more about professional nursing opportunities in the U.S. Navy.

Read about other AORN members who are making a difference.